Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge

Course summary

Southern Cross University’s commitment to Indigenous education is a core principle reflected in programs such as the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge.

Learning on-Country in a culturally diverse and supportive environment you'll develop a greater understanding of Indigenous knowledge and societies.

With the guidance of Indigenous academics, rangers, scientists and land owners, your studies link to local community aspirations and values, introduce Indigenous beliefs and philosophies, respect Indigenous languages and perspectives, and involve local people.

What's more, you have the opportunity to embrace education processes that help to bridge Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

This Graduate Diploma may also serve as a precursor to further study.

Students with substantial industry experience, international or domestic students with relevant qualifications or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible for advanced standing in this course.

Major areas of study

A major aspect of this program is developing an understanding of being and acting in the world from an Indigenous Knowledge framework through learning on-Country.

Students study six core units that include: Connecting with Country, Knowing with Community, Cultures of Repair: People and Environment, The Indigenous Estate and Social Enterprise, Indigenous Research in Context, and Living Knowledge.

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Graduate Attribute

Course Learning Outcome

Intellectual rigour

Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems in an Indigenous discipline or area of professional practice with intellectual independence

Creativity

Engage with Indigenous communities and apply knowledge and skills creatively in response to problems and challenges within an area of Indigenous Knowledge, research and/or professional practice that aligns with community needs, values and cultural expectations

Ethical practice

Demonstrate a well developed understanding of Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Research Methodologies informed by social responsibility, human rights and ethical and legal principles

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous cultural concepts and ways of knowing and being that influence Indigenous cultural settings physically, socially, politically, ecologically and economically. Demonstrate an advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in an Indigenous discipline or area of professional practice

Lifelong learning

Reflect on, assess and regulate your own learning, research capabilities and performance with personal autonomy and accountability

Communication and social skills

Communicate sensitively and appropriately in oral and written forms to demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts and to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences. Work in collaboration with Elders and in a team to achieve Indigenous community-determined goals

Cultural competence

Apply and integrate an understanding of contemporary social and cultural diversity and Indigenous Knowledge provision that is informed by Indigenous realities, protocols, cultural competence and safety that includes respect for the rights of all persons in Australia and internationally.

Assessment methods

Assessments vary for each unit and may comprise a mix of assessment types, including participation in intensives and yarning circles, readings-based assignments, group presentations, field and investigation reports, and formal examinations.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of Indigenous teaching and learning approaches including yarning circles, Connective Art, lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. While the method of teaching may vary from unit to unit, all teaching and learning spaces are designed for cultural safety and aim to build the cultural competency of students.

The delivery of this course includes a number of on-Country intensive workshops, which are delivered through partnerships with Indigenous peoples and groups. On-Country Learning is land based learning guided by the experience of being in a place and within the paradigm of Indigenous Knowledge.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this award will have skills appropriate for a range of careers in all levels of government and non-government organisations and in the private sectors in areas such as tourism, education, health, and the environment. There are growing opportunities in areas of community legal and native title legal practice, as well as in areas of Indigenous social enterprise.

Related links

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.

The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.

Equipment and facilities

Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

Table of contents

Admission requirements

Admission requirement

A 3-year Australian Bachelor Degree, or equivalent.

Equivalence

View the Australian Qualification Equivalence Guide for more information about the equivalent professional/voluntary experience and lower study that may substitute for holding an Australian Graduate Certificate or Vocational Graduate Certificate.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge students must complete 96 credit points, comprising:

8 core units.

Exit Award

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Knowledge after completing 48 credit points, comprising:

International future students

Current students

Southern Cross University acknowledges and pays respect to the ancestors, Elders and descendants of the Lands upon which we meet and study.We are mindful that within and without the concrete and steel of buildings these Lands always were and always will be Aboriginal Land.